The nation’s children are consuming ever-greater amounts of soft drinks that could increase their risk for obesity and dental disease, caution the American Dental Association (ADA) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). In their annual back-to-school wellness message, the 2 health organizations advise parents to encourage their children to consume nutritious drinks in school and at home. Children aged 6 to 19 years consume significantly more ounces of soft drinks each day than milk or juice, say the ADA and AAP. For example, teenage boys and girls are drinking twice as much soft drink as milk, and a third of teenage boys drink at least 3 cans of soft drink a day. Consumption of milk, which is the principle source of calcium in the typical American diet, decreases as soft drinks become a favorite choice for children. “Sweetened drinks are the primary source of added sugar in the daily diet of children. Each 12-ounce serving of a carbonated, sweetened soft drink contains the equivalent of 10 teaspoons of sugar,” says Renee Jenkins, MD, FAAP, AAP vice president. “Not only should parents be discouraging their children from drinking soda, but they can set a good example by choosing to drink healthier alternatives themselves.” The 2 health organizations say school vending machines and some vendor contractual arrangements influence youth consumption patterns and increase soft drink access. The ADA and AAP oppose such arrangements that target children and promote the over-consumption of soft drinks.
(Source: ADA and AAP news release, August 16, 2006)
